Exhibition - Farm Fresh: Narsiso Martinez

Since moving to the United States from Oaxaca, Mexico, Narsiso Martinez (B. 1977) immersed himself in pursuing an education by first enrolling in English Language courses and later getting his GED. It was not until taking an art history class at the Los Angeles City College that Martinez realized his passion for art, stirring up childhood memories of when he would sketch the faces of his family members. The artist plowed through, eventually earning a Master of Fine Arts from Cal State University, Long Beach, while working in orchards between schools to earn a living. As an undergraduate at CSULB, Martinez began developing his practice and researching into the lives of field workers. The empowering story of the artist’s journey and his achievements first captivated the Long Beach community when he was invited to participate as the Museum’s Artist in Residence in 2017.

The inaugural solo exhibition, FARM FRESH explores Martinez’s artistic practice, which continues to be deeply influenced by his own experiences, the familiar landscapes of the fields, and his personal relationships with field workers. Sourcing imagery from his own photographs, the site-specific, new body of mixed-media work and sculpture in the exhibition aim to give voice to the marginalized group.